Overview Origin erythropoietin is produced by the kidney ↓ synthesis → anemia in renal failure epoetin alpha is recombinant human erythropoietin used pharmacologically Mechanism activates receptors on erythroid progenitors in bone marrow stimulates production of red cells increases release of red cells from bone marrow Clinical use anemia due to renal failure bone marrow disorders chemotherapy toxicity cancer HIV Toxicity excessively high hematocrit may result in increased risk of thrombosis cardiovascular events hypertension